As a pediatrician (and a mom!), I know how busy life with little ones can be. Between feedings, naps, school drop-offs and endless snack requests, it can feel like there’s never a spare moment. So, when your child is healthy, it’s easy to wonder—do we really need to go to the doctor for another well-child visit?

The short answer? Yes! Well-child visits are about so much more than just checking height and weight. They’re an essential part of keeping your child healthy - and unfortunately, our children here in Mississippi are struggling with their health. Our state has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the country. We also have higher rates of mental, developmental and behavioral conditions as well. These visits help us work together to catch concerns like these (and many others) early and ensure your little one is thriving in every way.

The Well-Child Visit Schedule

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a structured schedule of well-child visits, especially in the early years when development happens at lightning speed. Here’s a quick look at the well visit schedule:

•  Infant Stage: Newborn, then visits at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months
• Toddler & Preschool Years: 15, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months, then yearly after age 3
• School-Age & Beyond: Every year through childhood and adolescence

Each visit is tailored to your child’s age, addressing specific milestones, nutrition, sleep and overall health.

Why Are Well-Child Visits So Important?

1. Growth & Development Monitoring

Children grow and change rapidly, especially in the first few years. Well-child visits allow us to track growth patterns, head circumference and body mass index (BMI) to ensure they’re developing as expected. We also assess fine and gross motor skills, speech and language and social interactions—because health isn’t just about physical growth.

2. Vaccinations & Preventive Care

Well visits ensure your child receives recommended vaccines on schedule, protecting them from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough and the flu. These appointments are also a chance to discuss nutrition, sleep and other habits that support long-term health.

3. Early Detection of Concerns

Many developmental delays, speech concerns or behavioral issues can be addressed more effectively when caught early. Whether it’s a hearing issue, speech delay or signs of anxiety, well visits give us the opportunity to identify concerns before they become bigger challenges.

4. Parental Guidance & Support

Let’s be honest—parenting comes with a LOT of questions. From sleep regression to picky eating, tantrums and screen time, every stage brings new challenges. These visits are a judgment-free space to ask questions, discuss concerns and get evidence-based advice tailored to your child’s needs.

5. Building a Trusted Relationship

Regular visits help your child feel comfortable with their doctor, making medical experiences less stressful. As they grow, they’ll also have a safe space to discuss mental health, puberty and other sensitive topics.

A Visit Worth Making

Even when your child is perfectly healthy, well visits are an investment in their long-term well-being. They’re about prevention, education and building a foundation for a lifetime of health.

So, if your child’s next well visit is on the calendar—great! If it’s been a while, don’t worry. Give your pediatrician’s office a call and schedule a checkup. And I’ll give you a pro tip – The summer is the PERFECT time to schedule those yearly well visits. The waiting room isn’t packed full of sick kids, and we tend to have a lot more availability. Reach out to us, and we’ll get you taken care of. We’re here to support you and your child, every step of the way!